Team
Welcome, Mayumi Wood
International Student Support Coordinator
What is your role at Merced College?
My responsibility is to guide international students through their journey at Merced College, from the time they apply until they complete their studies. I support them as they adjust to a new environment and do everything I can to help them succeed. I’m always looking for ways to make their time here meaningful and memorable, and I find myself wishing two years could last a little longer.
What part of your job do you enjoy most?
I love my job because it allows me to connect with students on a personal level. I genuinely enjoy watching them grow, overcome challenges, and succeed. More than just being a staff member, I often feel like a mom, big sister, or friend to them. Building those meaningful relationships and being someone they can rely on is the most rewarding part of what I do. No matter where life takes them, our graduate students always tell me that Merced feels like their second home, and I love it when I hear that.
Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?
Studying abroad in the U.S. had been a long-time dream since I was young, and it was a goal of mine. After graduating from a university in Japan, I saved up and came to Merced College, just like our international students today. It was the best decision of my life!
Why Merced? I get this question all the time! I discovered it in a study abroad guidebook. Looking back, I’ve learned it’s not so much about where you go, but what you do once you’re there.
How do you see your work or your role evolving in the next few years?
In the next few years, I see my role expanding as our program grows and brings more students to Merced College. One of my goals is to develop new initiatives such as peer mentorship programs, cultural integration workshops, and stronger collaborations among students, faculty, and student services. I believe these efforts will not only help international students adjust and thrive but also help create a more inclusive, supportive campus environment for everyone.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love watching my kids’ sports activities—it always makes me want to jump in and play too! I love playing sports, and I enjoy taking walks with my two Golden Retrievers and caring for our animals, which currently include two dogs, 13 chickens, a Guinea keet, and a cat. And of course, I love enjoying good food!
As we recognize Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month, what are some common challenges international students face when coming to the U.S., and how do you help them navigate those challenges?
I see many of our international students struggle with language barriers, cultural differences, making friends, financial pressure from their parents, and the list goes on. As you can imagine, studying in a new language and adapting to a different academic system can be stressful. Yet, despite these challenges, our students’ academic achievements at Merced College have been so impressive. When students become disconnected from our office, I often notice a decline in their academic performance. That’s why I focus on planning engagement events, offering support by listening to their concerns, encouraging them to use campus resources, and reminding them to keep going and never give up.
If you could introduce one aspect of Japanese culture to everyone at Merced College, what would it be?
I would like to introduce the concept of Wa (和), which means harmony and a group-oriented mindset. Wa emphasizes the importance of cooperation, balance, and unity within a community, and it plays a central role in Japanese society. I love it because it emphasizes collaboration over individualism, which can foster stronger teamwork, empathy, and community spirit. I believe Merced College already reflects this spirit of Wa, as everyone here is truly pleasant and supportive to work with.
